The ABC Family cable network, one of the fastest rising channel’s in the plethora of cable offerings, continues to wow its viewers and proving that is a channel worthy of their viewing trust, especially if you are a 20 to 30 something geek.
First there was the surprise hit series “Kyle XY,” a story about a manufactured boy (with no navel) who has fantastic capabilities – nearly computer-like. It returns for its third season January 2009. Then, the channel went after the college crowd with its highly entertaining (and for us older ones – nostalgic) trip down memory lane remembering those college pledge days with “Greek.” The channel has also vied for the “90210” younger set with shows like “Lincoln Heights.”
Now ABC Family is looking to secure its hold on basic-cable by airing films from the Harry Potter franchise by pre-buying cable rights to “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” 10 months in advance of its theatrical debut, according to Variety. It is also picking up “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” from 2007. The channel already has “Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Chamber of Secrets,” “Prisoner of Azkaban” and “Goblet of Fire” under its umbrella.
It now appears that the channel is in talks with Warner Bros. to bring the animated hit “Happy Feet” starring the voice work of such superstars like Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, as well as the 2006 film revivial of “Nancy Drew.” Also under discussion is the possbility of acquiring second-showing rights to “Fred Claus” and “TMNT.”
Hopefully they’ll keep my trust even more by keeping The Middleman around for another season.
Actually, if you read Variety’s story, you’ll see that Happy Feet and Nancy Drew (along with TMNT and Fred Claus) are already included as part of the overall deal with ABC Family and WB, along with other movie titles mentioned.
Yeah, I want more Middleman!